5 Free Things To Do In Singapore

It’s no secret that Singapore is an expensive country. Considered as one of the world’s most expensive cities, it is without a doubt that Singapore isn’t like its neighboring countries. Accommodations are high, taxi fares are a killer, drinks are a luxury, and shopping is all about the high-ends. But don’t let its reputation impede you from going, because like many places, it is completely feasible to explore Singapore’s beauty on a reasonable budget. Also known as the world’s cleanest and safest country, you do not want to miss out on Asia’s beautiful westernized little island.

If you’re feeling a little discouraged, fret not, for I’m about to hook you up with a couple of free fun things to do around the city. To enjoy some of them at its fullest, you’re going to have to shell out some cash of course, but if that’s not an option, then enjoy what you can anyway. Either way, Singapore is such a wonderful diverse country that you will without a doubt appreciate it with or without a lot of cash!

1.) Admire the wonderful architecture all over the city.

When I said that Singapore is a diverse country, I mean that it’s a complete melting pot. With a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage, plus the fast modern and westernized transformation that continue to evolve, expect a contrasting mix of architecture. Whether you’re an architecture geek or not, I guarantee you that it will be a visual feast for you and your eyes. From the traditional Buddhist and Hindu temples in Chinatown, or the beautiful structures in and around Arab Street, to the high rise buildings in different shapes and sizes, admiring all of them is one of my favorite things to do in Singapore. (READ: The Architectures Of Singapore)

2.) Go window shopping at Haji Lane.

Sure, Singapore’s Orchard Road is known for it’s amazing shopping malls, but once you’re overwhelmed with all of the luxury you can’t afford, why not go to a hidden little lane and check out some of the cutest indie shops and boutiques? Haji Lane is such a quaint little find and you’ll find yourself getting transported to a time and place that probably never existed but its vintage charm is so fascinating that it would have been nice to know it did. (READ: Singapore’s Little Secret– A Trip Down Haji Lane)

3.) Get oriented with a botanical atmosphere at Gardens By The Bay.

I must say that I wasn’t particularly interested in Gardens By The Bay at first. $28 SD is a lot to pay for an entrance fee, I thought. But did you know that you could still enjoy Gardens By The Bay for free? It’s a huge realm dedicated to conservatories. There are a number of different families of plants here that it’s not only a way to learn, but it’s such a therapeutic way to spend your time. The ever so popular Super Trees are not to be missed especially at night time where a light show becomes the main attraction.

4.) Go people watching at Orchard Road.

Fancy a coffee while watching people walk by? Because why not? People watching is one of my favorite free things to do when traveling. It gives me a sense of idea about the local’s lifestyle. Especially at rush hour, it’s sociology at its finest. At Orchard Road, you won’t only witness locals passing by, but with plenty of tourists as well, it’s such a nice little way to burn time while making non-creepy observations about the differences of locals and tourists alike.

5.) Can’t leave Singapore without paying tribute to its landmark– the Merlion.

Don’t even be a snob and try to call it such a touristy thing to do. The Merlion Park is an awesome spot whether you admit it or not. The Merlion statue, which is half lion and half mermaid, representative of Singapore’s history as a small fishing town and as the Lion city, is indeed a famous tourist attraction. But, it’s also a nice spot surrounded with the beautiful view of Marina Bay Sands right across the river. So get off your high horse because it’s hard not to enjoy such a wonderful scenery. Perhaps just refrain from doing the cheesy catching-the-water-from-the-Merlion picture.

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26 thoughts on “5 Free Things To Do In Singapore”

I’m always in desperate need of “free things to do in”, because I’m just a broke university student. I’d like to visit Haji Lane, I love to rummage through indie shops, there is always something to find!

Fantastic article considering I will be in Singapore in January. We have shouted ourselves one night in the Marina Bay Sands and therefore have no spare cash for expensive sightseeing. I love people watching so I will be sure to check out Orchard Rd 🙂

I love that there are so many things that can be done in Singapore in a day without the need to spend a lot of money but simply take good pictures. I haven’t been to Haji Lane but heard so many good things about it.

Very nice info about Singapore and all other facets of the city. I read about this place but only dropped by at Changi Airport. Considering this place as one of the many countries to visit by some travellers.

Architecture is one of the biggest draws to Singapore for me personally – I would seriously spend days just walking around exploring and taking everything in! Best way to orientate yourself with a new city is getting lost on foot 😀

There’s just a lot more to do. Be fascinated by the lights of the infrastructure around Marina Bay. 🙂 Go to Clark Quay and check out people enjoying the place. Watch the people doing the river tour. Etc. 🙂

About girl, unspotted

Erica is a third world passport holder with an American accent, joyously dancing through the islands of the Philippines. A huge sucker for magical places, she continues to search for the world's most beautiful corners. She enjoys sharing her finds through writing and photography. Born with a knack of telling people what to do, she not only writes about personal travel tales to inspire, but she also provides destination guides to tell her readers where, what, and how to travel to certain places impeccably. Thirty, married, and thriving, Erica defies all conventional expectations of a Filipino woman and continues to chase the world. In her bikini. Also hilarious and witty af.